Immortality and the Body in the Age of Milton

During the 17th century in England, there was a lot of speculation about the body and its relationship to the soul. John Milton's vitalist or animist materialism was a unique literary reflection of this period, which saw the body as a vehicle for transcendence and heroic striving rather than a burden or source of embarrassment. This collection of writings by Milton, Donne, Cavendish, Bunyan, and Pulter explores embodiment in relation to the immortal longings of early modern writers, supported by new science, print culture, and the Copernican upheaval of the heavens.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 257 pages
\n Publication date: 01 April 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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Seventeenth-century England was a vibrant tapestry of speculation, delving into the intricate relationship between the body and the soul. The prevailing mindset, championed by René Descartes, posited a dualistic certainty, where the mind and body were distinct entities. However, this notion faced a formidable challenge from materialisms, which emerged in various forms, whether mechanistic or vitalist. Among the most significant and pioneering literary expressions of this intellectual ferment was the vitalist or animist materialism articulated by John Milton in his renowned masterpiece, Paradise Lost.

Milton's profound vision sought to redefine the essence of the body, casting it not as a burden or an embarrassment but as a source of immense potential and a gateway to transcendence. In this literary landscape, a remarkable assemblage of diverse and captivating contemporary writers joined forces, including John Donne, Margaret Cavendish, John Bunyan, and Hester Pulter. These writers approached embodiment with a fresh perspective, seeing it as an opportunity for heroic striving and a means of connecting with the divine.

The influence of new science, print culture, and the Copernican upheaval of the heavens played a significant role in shaping the writers' understanding of embodiment. They embraced the advancements in knowledge and exploration, drawing upon scientific discoveries to deepen their exploration of the human body and its relationship to the cosmos. The printed medium, with its widespread dissemination of information and ideas, provided a platform for these writers to articulate their thoughts and engage with a broader audience.

Furthermore, the Copernican revolution challenged traditional cosmological beliefs and opened up new vistas of the universe. The writers of the early modern period were captivated by this astronomical shift, which offered a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of all things. They saw embodiment as a means of bridging the gap between the mortal and the divine, allowing individuals to tap into the infinite potential of the body and achieve a sense of unity with the universe.

Through their literary works, Milton and his contemporaries explored the multifaceted dimensions of embodiment. They examined the physicality of the body, its sensations and experiences, as well as its spiritual and metaphysical implications. They questioned the boundaries between the body and the mind, exploring the interplay between the material and the immaterial realms.

In conclusion, the seventeenth-century England witnessed a profound exploration of the body and its relationship to the soul. John Milton's vitalist or animist materialism, expressed through Paradise Lost, played a pivotal role in shaping this intellectual ferment. Alongside a diverse collection of writers, Milton and his contemporaries challenged traditional notions of embodiment and embraced the body as a source of heroic striving, transcendence, and connection with the divine. Their literary works continue to inspire and provoke us, reminding us of the profound significance of the body in our lives and the endless possibilities it holds.

\n Weight: 394g\n
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108432047\n \n